Newcastle United winger drops hint over his future

The Newcastle United only made a handful of appearances for Portsmouth after coming up through the ranks at Fratton Park.

And Gosport-born Ritchie – who this season signed a new three-year contract at St James’s Park – wants to return to the club, which is in League One, before he hangs up his boots.

Speaking to The News, the 30-year-old said: “To play for Portsmouth was a dream – and I do feel I’ve got unfinished business there, for sure.

“I feel I’ve got a good five to seven years in the locker still, and I’ve just signed a new contract with Newcastle, where I’m really enjoying my time.

“But, in my head, my next challenge is definitely to play for Portsmouth again – and have an impact.

“I’ve really got a burning ambition to have some sort of success at Portsmouth. Whether that’s in three, four or five years, who knows? But, certainly for me, I want to play – and I want to go back there and make an impact.

“I don’t want to come back and do one of those where I’m finished and my legs have gone.

“That’s not how I want to do it. I want to come back, offer something and have an impact. I want to be part of a success story at Portsmouth, for sure.

“My goal now is to come back to Portsmouth at some stage, have an impact and success. It would be great to take the club back to where it deserves to be.

“When I left the club it was on a downward spiral, so I’d like to play a part in getting the club to the next level and be part of something special in helping them to the Premier League.

“The main thing for me is I’m really pleased the club is back on its feet, and got stability again.

“It seems to be moving in the right direction, and, hopefully, in the not too distant future, I can hopefully have some sort of say and play a part. Who knows what could happen?”